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Jacksonville SD 117 board holds Truth in Taxation hearing on proposed 10% property tax levy increase
Summary
At a Dec. 17 public hearing, Jacksonville School District 117 leaders explained a proposed 10.0% increase in the 2025 property tax levy to $27,697,134 and described budget cuts that would be required if the district did not seek the increase under PTELL constraints.
Jacksonville School District 117 held a Truth in Taxation public hearing on Dec. 17, 2025, at Jacksonville Middle School where district leaders outlined a proposed corporate and special purpose property tax levy of $27,697,134 for 2025, a 10.0% increase over the 2024 total of $25,179,212.97. President Beard called the hearing to order at 6:00 p.m.; the notice included the levy figures and instructions for members of the public to present testimony.
Superintendent Steve Ptacek led the Truth in Taxation presentation, explaining why the district is requesting the increase and how the district's placement under PTELL affects local revenue options. Ptacek presented scenarios showing what the district would face if it did not request the increase, saying it would require "large cuts" district-wide to maintain balanced operations. The district did not take a final vote on the levy at the hearing; the session provided the statutorily required public explanation and an opportunity for comment before any final action.
The notice presented at the hearing states the proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2025 are $27,697,134.00 and that "This represents an 10.0% increase over the previous year." The hearing record notes that debt service and public building commission lease taxes remain estimated at $0 for 2025. The board adjourned the hearing at 7:20 p.m.
